Hello Permies!
This thread is to discuss how a system could be created to purchase, share, maintain, track accountability, and/or schedule the use of tools. These tools would be used/shared as part of a small community.
The tricky thing is...
How do you create a tool share system without accidentally harming the community you're trying to create?. Tool shares can be really awesome! They can also create frustrations, resentment, require a lot of time, or constantly need cash injections.
For example, a small community created a tool share program for apple processing equipment; everyone could have access to an apple press and the associated gizmos and gadgets! Someone donates the apple press & grinder and a local non-profit has a shed that can be used to store the equipment (yay good start!). They even have an online system so you can book out the apple press in advance.
But wait, someone brings back the press late? Someone else brings back the dehydrator broken? Someone else leaves the the apple grinder dirty? Now the people who booked out the equipment are upset, no one can use the dehydrator, and someone has to put in the time to clean dirty tools! Sounds like a lot of bad vibes in an otherwise good community.
Some questions are:
- What have your experiences been with tool shares, community tools, group purchases of shared equipment, or small scale tool rental programs?
- Do you know of any problems faced by your community's tool sharing/rentals and how they've been overcome?
- Are there examples in your community of tool share/rental programs that have been a good example of building community?
Thank for sharing your experiences & thoughts!
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